This Valentine’s Day, Cancer Council WA’s ‘Keeping up with the PaSCE’ podcast takes a deep dive into the many forms of love that shape our lives – whether it’s our passions, relationships, or the cherished memories of those we’ve lost. The latest episode, titled ‘Love after life’, features heartfelt conversations with our Cancer Council WA team, a look at the history of Valentine’s Day and insights from Thanatologist Dr Lauren Breen on grief, loss and how we honour those who have passed.
Voice of CCWA
In this episode, Cancer Council WA team members were encouraged to share what they love. While the answers varied, some common themes emerged including conservation, music, community, pets and people. Its clear love is about more than relationships – it’s about passion and purpose.
The History of Valentines Day
Valentine’s Day has evolved over centuries, with its roots tracing back to the Roman Empire. The day is linked to Saint Valentine, a priest who secretly performed marriages for young couples in defiance of the emperor’s orders. By the Middle Ages, it became a celebration of romantic love, often expressed through letters, poetry and song – practices that have carried through to today’s traditions of gifting flowers, chocolates and cards. At its heart, Valentines Day is the celebration of human connection.
Grief, loss and legacies: a conversation with Dr Lauren Breen
Dr Lauren Breen, a Thanatologist, joined the episode to discuss the complexities of grief and loss. According to Dr Breen, grief is individual and non-linear. She explains that people often honour lost loved ones through stories, traditions, behaviors, and the continuation of their work. The supporting and compassion of others during this time can have a profound impact. Ultimately, Dr Breen reminds us that love and loss are intertwined- memories of those we’ve lost help keep their legacies alive.
From our passions to our relationships and the memories of those we hold dear, love shapes our lives in countless ways. This Valentine’s Day, we invite you to celebrate love in all its expressions, honouring the connections that make our world meaningful.
The Latest episode of Keeping up with the PaSCE is now available on:
